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FIRST COMES THE NIGHT is set a little over a year before the beginning of AFTER A KING FALLS (currently editing). It can be read as a standalone or as an introduction to the world and stakes of AaKF.

I hope you’re all having a wonderful holiday season, and I can’t wait to se you in the new year!

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A Year of “Clean” Fiction + Bookish News

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:15:51 GMT

October might be my muse, but I do love November, and I love that November is November and that it isn’t October or December. Everything is crisp and full with everything that has been and everything around the bend, and this year was no exception. November 2025 I’m acknowledging one year of deliberately seeking out “clean” fiction, and have three project announcements.

A Year of “Clean” Fiction

“Clean” Fiction isn’t a clearly defined category. Most people who use the term will also define it in their own words to better communicate with other readers what they mean and where they draw the line. Some people dislike the word “clean” altogether and might say wholesome or no-spice. I’m going to use the term “clean fiction” for now because I think it’s the most universally understood, but for the sake of this publication at least don’t take clean to mean squeaky clean moralizing tales without conflict or acknowledgement of evil.

Clean fiction basically draws clear lines in four categories. Each author or publisher might draw the line in a different place and of course the age group of the intended reader plays a huge part in this, and that’s why clean fiction is such a loose term, and it’s best to reference the author/publisher’s standards on this to better anticipate the content level of their books.

The four categories:

profanity
spice content
violence
glorification of evil

I was reading books targeted at teenagers as a teenager that tested the limits and flat out broke the lines in all four of these categories. At the time, I just assumed it was normal, and that it was my choice whether or not I was going to skip pages or put down the book, and it wasn’t until I was an adult (late teens/early twenties) actively seeking out agents and publishers to query for my own manuscript that I really started to question why the same kind of content that couldn’t be shown in a PG13 movie was being sold, encouraged, and pushed onto teenage readers. Repeatedly, agent after agent, publisher after publisher, I was reading wishlists and requests for those kinds of books. Over those several years, I saw an increasing obsession with who was writing the book before acknowledging what they had to say, and if a certain who wasn’t on their list, it didn’t seem like they were interested at all. Instead of being excited or nervous about finding people who I wanted to query, I kept growing increasingly disappointed and feeling like the publishing world was headed somewhere I didn’t want to go and maybe not even read.

Which is horrifying because I love to read. Books were what inspired me to become an author and illustrator. If books were cut out of my life, I don’t have the slightest clue what I would do. It was this feeling of being pushed out of publishing, bookstores, and my library that sent me on my quest for Stories Worth Reading. Because even if I wasn’t skipping an increasing number of pages I noticed even my beloved, very weird, favorite genre fantasy was becoming dull. The stories were starting to sound the same. Interesting plots and worlds and characters were being set aside in the author’s imagination so they could bind them to the preferences of the market.

Next to fantasy, the genre I read most is classic literature, and I was severely worried I was on the verge of becoming one of those people who never read living authors when I quite accidentally stumbled into the clean fiction market.

I had thought I was going to give querying one more chance, but was disappointed once again. So I did something I thought I would never do and started looking into indie publishers and small presses. Because at the time I was convinced my story needed a publisher behind it, and that belief held out just long enough to introduce me to publishers (publishers, not just authors, not just a bookstore) who sought out clean fiction, or at least their definition of clean fiction.

I had no idea this category existed. I was under the impression that any fiction labeled clean or Christian was going to be squeaky clean, uninteresting, low quality, and preachy. Some of it is, but there is a wealth of stories written by people who would disdain that idea of clean while also believing some doors should remain closed.

I started reading. I think I’ve read all of the principle genres this last year, but most of all I read fantasy again, and I wasn’t disappointed, or bored, or skipping pages. I don’t know that every book I read was written by Christians, but I know many of them were, and it was a little weird at first because I wasn’t used to stumbling upon unapologetic and sometimes blatant Christian themes in modern stories. And they were good. Not preachy or cheesy, and actually acknowledged and dealt with the darkness of their world. I absolutely want to read more fantastical fiction created by Christian authors—allegory not required—simply because when I wasn’t seeking it out, I don’t think I was finding it at all, and I admire the depth in those stories, whether they had a Christian genre tag or not. It was refreshing after reading some books, even books I still really like, where I was left wondering at times whether the author was actually trying to mock my faith.

I wouldn’t say any of my long-time favorite books were displaced, but I definitely found more room near the top for more than one of the books I read this year, and I wouldn’t have known they existed without seeking them out.

One year later, I feel like the fate of my bookshelf has been restored, and more than that, these books have had an impact on my own writing. I always had lines drawn between me and the things I would not write no matter what the market said, but I also had a lot of gray areas, and I think these books, authors, and publishers have given me a standard for navigating those gray areas. It isn’t a matter of cutting out everything that might fall into those four categories (language, spice, violence, glorification of evil), well maybe that last one, but being conscious of why it’s in the story and how it’s being dealt with.

There’s so much more that could be said on this subject, but that’s where I’m at right now. I’m glad I spent this year getting to know this bookish corner of the world, and I want to keep reading books like this. I haven’t written off the big publishers or the front-and-center bookstore displays just yet, but there’s only so much time to read in this life, and I want to seek out the stories that fill that time to the brim instead of taking something away.

Here are some of the best new/er books I read this year:

Iron Rose, Abigail O’Bryan

Fortified, V. Romas Burton

Where Darkness Dwells, A. Renae

Saltwater Souls, Hannah Carter

The Mysterious Case of the Midnight Specter, Moriah Chavis

Flameheart, Dalton and Emily Bequette

The Poet’s Eye, Laura Vanarendonk Baugh

Fates Defiant, Brigitte Cromey and C.M. Banschbach

Darkfell, Amanda Wright

Seashells and Other Souvenirs, Rachel Lawrence

Mouse and the Dragon of Bookstore

This children’s book is so close to being done. As I write this, I am down to one page and part of the cover left in the digital phase of the illustration process plus some general details and adjustments to polish the whole book before sending off the files for test printing.

I can now say with certainty that it will be releasing in 2026. How soon will largely depend on how printing goes and whether I have to make any adjustments, and I learned with my last picture book that shipping delays are only to be expected this time of year.

This is officially the longest I have ever worked on any of my picture books. Before, I’ve essentially become a full-time illustrator for months at a time to focus entirely on the book at hand, but this time I was trying to balance illustrating this book with its longer length and more complex illustrations with other projects, and now not only is Mouse and the Dragon of Bookstore on the verge of completion but a very different project is also taking major steps.

Writing

I’ve danced around a “formal” introduction to Book 1 of my dark YA fantasy series, never sure what to say, but here we go.

AFTER A KING FALLS

Dark Epic YA Fantasy

a fallen kingdom
dragon lore
elemental magic
a princess’s return
a fight for hope
fallen heroes
the song sung by the stars

If you’ve been around a little while, you know the manuscript has been in the hands of an editor, and I’m preparing for that first round of notes, but in the meantime I can announce that After a King Falls will not be the first story published in this series. Instead, you can expect sooner rather than later a short story set about one year before the start of After a King Falls that will introduce the world and the stakes. You can read it as a first introduction to After a King Falls and my writing, wait until after Book 1 and treat it like a prequel, or read it as a standalone if sprawling fantasy novels aren’t your thing.

It will be releasing as an ebook in early 2026 and eventually printed in After a King Falls.

Subscribe to Ink & Pages for the title and cover real, release date, and an early first chapter.

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Until then,

Jenna

To keep up with art projects and MOUSE AND THE DRAGON OF BOOKSTORE news, visit @sunandcrow on Instagram

For updates on AFTER A KING FALLS, related projects, and other bookish things, see @j.gracepapponetti on Instagram

Check out my Etsy shop at sunandcrow.etsy.com for art prints, cards, and stickers.

October might be my muse…

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:15:44 GMT

October might be my muse. I am drinking in stories, writing so fast my fingers can hardly keep up, and stumbling into ideas everywhere I go. Read on for bookish scribblings, writing updates, and thoughts on staving off creative burnout.

A Story Worth Reading

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

There’s something captivating about the world of Harry Potter and the story we get to explore it through, and it has ensured the enduring reign of these books not only in the fantasy genre, but in the imaginations of its readers.

In my search for “Stories Worth Reading”, I hold all seven of these books in high esteem. If nothing else, they have a habit of igniting the imaginations of readers, and they do the most important thing a story can by guarding and revealing hope like light through a lantern.

For writers, there’s a lesson in craft and structure to be found here, but for readers, they will find a story that grows through childhood and delivers its characters into adulthood, poignant themes woven throughout every book, and a modern classic rich in literary traditions if you choose to seek them out. The heart of this story is found in the simplest and truest places: light vs darkness, hope vs fear, love vs hate. And it’s told through pure imagination and adventure.

Favorite Fairytale

The Pretending Woodchuck by Carl S. Patton-The tale of a woodchuck who cannot tell right from left. Told with a fun narrative voice and colorful characters. If you insist upon a moral, this one lies somewhere between the importance of learning the most basic lessons and the consequence in perception when one does not.

Not to be Forgotten

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving- My favorite annual October read. A classic ghost story that sets Irving’s humor against an atmospheric October evening. This story brims with autumn’s spirit through a glorious feast, spooky tales told by firelight, a midnight chase, and the legendary Headless Horseman.

Recent Reads

Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti- This was my first step into poetry in awhile, and it helped me rediscover narrative poetry specifically and how much less I struggle with it as opposed to other poetry. I decided to read this poem after discovering The Literary Life Podcast which I have been enjoying a lot this month, and during that podcast, it was discussed how many inaccurate ways there are to read this poem that disregard the author’s life and intentions. I would absolutely agree with them and also note how easy it is to fall into those readings. So if you’re interested in this one, the key is “forbidden fruit”, followed by the fall and, most importantly, redemption.
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe- This was possibly the first poem that almost made sense to me. I come back to it every now and then to get a deeper glimpse.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham- This is a book that can be picked up at any stage in life. It’s become an annual read for me even when I don’t intend for it to be. I’ll just have a thought, and like Mole or Rat, I’m drawn back to it by a divine longing. I love how Graham wrote this world and incorporated the talking beasts, it’s very like a fairytale with notes of modernity. While there is an overall cohesiveness to the story and events unfold over the course of the book, it’s chapters are episodic so it can easily be read one chapter at a time, each chapter telling its own tale and having a sense of wholeness.
The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe- A very short read with a nice dose of foreboding and our mortal fate for the autumn season.

Writing

I officially finished the first draft of a massive (quite possibly too massive) YA fantasy, and am working on getting the whole thing into a second draft stage. I wrote a new picture book idea, took noes on a chapter book idea that I’m really excited for but know I need to wait on, and made progress on a noblebright YA fantasy novel that came most unexpectedly and almost inconveniently when I thought I had no time to spare for writing it. Turns out I do if I can carve out an hour a few nights a week, and I’m okay with that. The dark YA fantasy series is my priority, but this noblebright idea is special. It’s the first time an idea has really struck in a way that made me think I could pursue it alongside the dark fantasy series, and I’m excited by how it’s turning out. I’ve been jumping around the beginning, end, middle, and everywhere in between which has always been a good omen in my experience.

The most exciting project this month was finishing a short story prequel to Book 1 of the dark fantasy series. I’ve been working on this in the background on and off for months, and now I think it’s ready to be read and edited because I’d really like to publish it one day. I think it’s a good introduction to the world and the stakes of Book 1 as well as my writing style and tone in that series

Staving Off Creative Burnout

That’s a lot of projects, and it doesn’t account for my day job as an artist. As all of these new ideas kept popping up, I had a funny thought about how even though I can get overwhelmed by having many projects going on at once, I’ve never really suffered from creative burnout. This might not be everyone’s experience, but I’ve always found that my creativity thrives when I have more than one project to turn to. There can be too many, but as long as everything is organized and I know how things need to be prioritized, it’s helpful to be able to set aside one project having accomplished one step along its journey and take up another. Sometimes when I feel lost in writing, the cure has been to write something completely new and quite possibly silly—that might be where some of my picture book ideas come from. And when I stumble into a new idea and I know it’s a story worth telling, it’s exciting and it restores my creativity for the projects I’ve been working on for a long time.

Honestly, the times when I’ve felt creatively drained are when I’m dealing with a lot of “ordinary” things like the business side of running an art business, spreadsheets and the like. The best thing I can do to avoid the draining feeling is to balance those things along the way so they don’t come all at once and seem to take over the time I’d rather spend on creative projects. And of course there are small things that help on a daily basis like taking a walk or cooking that give you a sense of accomplishment and are genuinely good for your mind and body regardless.

It’s been the best kind of busy when things are actually changing, and there’s more to come.

Until next time,

Jenna Papponetti

Project Updates and a Busy September

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:16:05 GMT

This month has been crazy busy, so this newsletter will be shorter than usual with only a couple books, project updates on my next picture book and YA fantasy, and a tiny announcement related to my Etsy shop.

First up. . .

Recent Reads:

Fates Defiant by Brigitte Cromey & C.M. Banschbach- The story is bold and unafraid to delve into darker subjects without relinquishing hope, no matter how difficult it is to hold on to. It takes its time building up the two main characters, Cyrus and Bastian, and the Arena only to take off running for the rest of the book. If you’re looking for a story with intense action and strong heart told within a Roman-inspired world, check out Fates Defiant.
Defiance can mean fighting when expected to surrender. Staying a sword when expected to strike. Holding on to love when it would be easier to let go. Praying even in the midst of crushing defeat. In an Arena where everyone is fighting for their own life, Fates Defiant asks what it would look like to fight for someone else.
This is a story well told. There was a great rhythm between the two POV’s, building up to the actual collision of their stories with constant tension between perception and reality. The creatures were detailed, alive, and terrifying, I swear I could feel it every time a gryphon was on the page. This is an amazing first release from and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare- I always hated Shakespeare units in school. My teachers tried their best, but it just never won me over. That said, I’ve honestly enjoyed any Shakespeare play I’ve read, watched, or listened to on my own volition. If you can break out of the mindset of a high school English class and just experience the story, chances are you might enjoy it, too, without having to pick it apart in analysis.

October Reads

In the words of Anne of Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world with Octobers.”

This time of year I love breaking into old classics like Frankenstein and Dracula, but I also make a point to try a book I haven’t read yet. I don’t do horror 97% of the time, and the only ghost story I actually like is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but I might go for eerie magical realism or dark fantasy or classic science fiction like Frankenstein or H.G, Wells. This year I want to revisit some of Edgar Allen Poe’s work and read poetry more consistently.

If you have a favorite book this time of year, feel free to share it in the comments.

Mouse and the Dragon of Bookstore

Illustrated Children’s book ages 4-8

Four pages to go!

I’m slowing down a bit on this one so I can keep up with some other deadlines, but it’s nearly there and everything is coming together visually.

Once the illustrations are finished, I will be able to commit to a release date, and I’m hoping to run a Kickstarter pre-order campaign to help with printing costs. I have most of the details planned out, I’m just waiting on dates at this point, so more information to come.

Holiday Shopping (yes, I know it’s September)

I promise I don’t do this often—I have a greater aversion to creating ads than I do seeing them—however, if you do happen to be the kind of person who sends cards to friends and family throughout the holiday season, and you’re interested in supporting small businesses and independent artists, I hope you’ll check out my Etsy shop. All of my Christmas/winter listings are up, including ten card designs, and I’m offering newsletter readers a code for 20% off that will be live until November 245h 2025 when my cyber week sale kicks off (also 20% off).

USE CODE: INKPAGES

or follow the link below

Writing

This is the biggest update of the month. The manuscript for Book 1 of my YA fantasy series is in the hands of a developmental editor.

*cue terror and joy*

Many unexpected doors opened this past year just to get me to a point where I could even consider hiring an editor, and I couldn’t cower from this opportunity. I don’t know what will come out of this, and I’m sure there’s still a lot of work ahead, but I know ultimately it will make the story better. It was time for a challenge.

Until next time,

Jenna Papponetti

Book Recs, a Title Reveal, and Adventures in Publishing

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:03:16 GMT

Welcome to the newsletter of author and illustrator Jenna Papponetti where you’ll find book recommendations and reviews along with updates on ongoing projects in both art and writing.

A story Worth Reading:

Flameheart by Dalton and Emily Bequette

This book was written for the writers and book lovers. It’s the collision and entwining of imagination and reality with characters who can travel between the two. I loved the overall concept of traveling between Earth and realms of imagination and thought it was conveyed beautifully. One scene still lingering with me is the reading of a creation story that explains how that came to be. Each of the worlds visited was unique and immersed and filled with characters to adore.

I absolutely loved every page. The characters, the world, the mystery, the relationships and their ups and downs, all came together perfectly in a story I was always reluctant to put down and couldn’t wait to pick up again. Not only are the stakes high and the villain terrifying but the plot weaves through Lia’s growth as a character and isn’t afraid to let her struggle. I can only guess where this series is going, but as of right now Book 1 is the perfect YA fantasy.

My only thought when closing this book was “That was amazing.”

If you’re looking for a new book to read, chances are this one’s for you. And if you have a book you want to write, problems you’d rather avoid, fictional friends you’d rather hang out with, and a longing to open a wardrobe and discover a portal to another world, this story is also for you.

Favorite Fairytale:

The Topaz Story Book by Ada Skinner

As summer winds down, I thought it was time to introduce this collection of stories, legends, and poems inspired by the autumn season. I have yet to read them all myself, but every fall I look forward rereading my favorites and discovering new stories that encompass the harvest season. There are animal stories, flower stories, fantastical tales of how autumn came to be, and more.

Not to be Forgotten:

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

I end up reading this short story when I want to read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow but it isn’t October-enough yet. It’s the tale of a man lost in time and a true American classic. It takes notes from Sleeping Beauty and gives them a Hudson Valley, Revolutionary War-era twist. It’s a humorous, easy read with slightly eerie vibes and vibrant characters, worth returning to again and again.

Recent Reads:

Flameheart by Dalton and Emily Bequette- A Story Worth Reading
The Curious Case of the Midnight Specter by Moriah Chavis- She can see ghosts, but can she solve a murder?
I don’t read a lot of mysteries, usually figuring it out early on. It’s how it unfolds that has to grab my attention, and this is one I enjoyed even beyond the fantastical element of Life and Death roaming its pages (though I loved their presence).
While the story never neglects the seriousness or necessity of the murder investigation, it balances it well with humor and vibrant characters and their clashes. I was captivated, intrigued not only by how the case would be solved but how the main character, Leighanna, and her dynamics with other characters would be impacted by the search.
Leighanna is a spunky young woman of the late 19th century who understands the practicality of trousers, but I did find myself getting a tad annoyed with her at times while she was completely obsessed with solving the murder and getting justice for the victim. It’s made clear that being so close to death and then living changed her outlook on life and society, and I understand why she acts the way she does, I don’t even think her motives are unjustified, she’s just the kind of main character I can’t always agree with. No character should be perfect, and even if I had a harder time with Leighanna, she was still very well-written, and I think the characters were one of the best aspects of this book.
All of that said, it seems this story is meant to continue, and I would absolutely read more of Leighanna’s adventures. I think she’s a character I would learn to like more as she grows and settles in to all of the recent changes in her life.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book. It’s available for preorder now and releases September 16th 2025
The Eyes of Mandoral—The Poet’s Eye and The Prince’s Song by Laura Vanarendonk Baugh- I couldn’t put this story down. My introduction to these books came from a short story that follows two of the main characters, Galen and Lisveth, and by the end of that short story I was so intrigued by who they were and how they came to be traveling mercenaries together that I knew I was going to read these books when they came out, and I wasn’t disappointed. The big surprise came when I realized this story wasn’t just Galen and Lisveth’s but also about the court politics and potential demise of another kingdom. Court politics are not usually my favorite thing to read, but I was okay with it this time because the story weaves between that, the central conflict of plot, and the far-reaching echoes spilling into the path of Galen and Lisveth, seeing the consequences of what was happening in a palace far away for everyday people. It helped build the stakes, and it turned this story from merely interesting to one I will be rereading.
There is so much color to this story. The world and characters are rich and alive and unapologetically complicated. It feels bold, but not merely for the sake of being bold. There was a story, many stories, to tell here, and they were told well.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins- I’m unsure about this book. It’s good, well-written, and holds up to the main trilogy. If you like The Hunger Games, it’s worth a read. Young Haymitch was an interesting POV character and there were references to the earlier books left and right. But I think I’m missing the point. I didn’t like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes at all, and while I liked this book a lot more, I guess I wasn’t ready to dive into another Quarter Quell. Going back before the first book and dwelling on all of the awful things the Capital did feels a bit like it undermines the end of the third book. I don’t know why we need those stories. We know how bad it was without every crime given to us in lurid detail because the first three books illustrated it well. An author has the right to tell their story as they see fit, I’m just not sure it’s a story I want to read.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins- I had to go back and read this book after finishing Sunrise on the Reaping to see all of the references to the Quarter Quell and to compare my unsorted feelings about that book with my favorite book from The Hunger Games series. I read the first three books a little young, and I say that not because the story was beyond my understanding at twelve but because it was my first step into the YA genre, and it’s an intense step. These book are good and they’re worth reading, but I know that reading this story at the age that I did demanded I grow up a little bit when I didn’t have to, and it altered the kinds of books I was willing to read and when from then on. I don’t know what waiting a couple more years would’ve meant for my reading habits, but I do know that the fact that this story ends with hope matters. There’s a lot of tragedy to come before that, but there is hope, and maybe that’s why I have a harder time with the newer books going back to a time when it does seem hopeless and there can’t be happy endings yet.
So maybe—please—don’t read these books at twelve years old, but there is a story worth reading here.

It’s time for a title reveal!

Project Mouse and Dragon will henceforth be known as…

Mouse and the Dragon of Bookstore

The tale of one brave mouse who has trained night and day to defend her realm of Bookstore from the fearsome dragon who roams its shelves.

31 out of 37 illustrated pages are now complete with most of the others at least painted and waiting to be digitized.

In the meantime, as I work on those final illustrations I’m also working on my Erie Canal project, “On the Banks of the Erie Canal”. Two of the seven charcoal drawings are now complete, and I’m enjoying working on this project. Charcoal is my first and favorite medium, and it’s always nice to be back to black and white.

Writing

My YA fantasy series made a small debut this past week on my Instagram, revealing some of its heart and origins and a series name (watch the reel here). I wanted to let people get a sense of the story as I venture further along this publishing path. It’s the beginning of a new direction when it comes to talking about my writing. I’m mostly committed to indie publishing—barring some unforeseen opportunity that would be better for the story—and I want to share about that journey and everything that comes with bringing a book into the world.

I’m preparing to send my manuscript to an editor as of right now, and beyond editing the story itself, I intend to create my own art for the book, and publishing has always been a process in my experience and that was with 28-page picture books, let alone a massive fantasy epic so I’m sure adventure awaits.

I don’t know for sure what lies ahead, but I hope you’ll stick around for whatever comes next.

Until next time,

Jenna Papponetti

Artist/Illustrator Instagram

Bookish Instagram

Artist/Illustrator Instagram

Stories Worth Reading, Mouse and Dragon, and Adventures Beyond the Page

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:59:13 GMT

Welcome to the newsletter of author and illustrator Jenna Papponetti where you’ll find book recommendations and reviews along with updates on ongoing projects in both art and writing.

A Story Worth Reading:

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

Optimistic title, huh? I’ve been making my way through the writing of C.S. Lewis and enjoying the journey just as much as I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, though in a different way. While the latter has magic, adventure, and wonderful characters to delight any reader of fantastical fiction, Lewis’s nonfiction and specific style of fiction found in The Great Divorce and The Screwtape Letters provides a meal of food for thought. I’ve realized the thing I like best about Lewis’s writing are his illustrations. He has a talent for taking philosophical and theological concepts and conveying them through verbal illustrations that have stood the test of time. That’s probably why I enjoyed The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce so much. They are essentially full length illustrations of temptation and the things that keep people from God. The Great Divorce in particular won me over because the story is told in such a way that it reminded me of both a fairytale and George MacDonald—who makes an appearance along the narrator’s journey. Our narrator arrives unexpectedly in a grim, gray, modern world that is actually Hell and goes on a journey with many other ghosts toward Heaven, delving into their pasts/present and revealing the inner struggles that are keeping them from heading “further up and further in”. Rather than condemnation, this story invites compassion, and you can feel the sincere love of those who are trying to help the ghosts. That’s another one of the author’s strengths. It is easy enough to talk about the love of God, but Lewis can capture it so well that it courses through his writing as a living, breathing heartbeat. Readers should not expect action and intensity from The Great Divorce but rather a subtle exploration of the fallen nature of mankind that is almost as easy to miss in the telling as our own beliefs about ourselves that sneak away with the reverence that belongs to God.

Favorite Fairytale:

Finist the Bright Falcon

A Baba Yaga tale. One of the most infamous figures from Russian folklore, Baba Yaga can be both an evil witch and fairy godmother-like character to the hero or heroine of the many tales where she appears. This tale is full of the richness and adventure characteristic of Russian fairytales, following a girl determined to find her beloved Finist.

Not to be Forgotten:

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgosh Burnett

Some stories are like an umbrella we open to shield ourselves from the storm of reality, and some stories are like medicine, treating our wounds and making us whole again. This one is the latter.

Recent Reads:

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis- A Story Worth Reading
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien- I’ve written before about how it was the recommendations of Tolkien-snobs that made me resist reading The Lord of the Rings for so long, and I’m always hesitant to fall into the same trap. It wasn’t even a recommendation that won me over in the end but a stubborn determination to find good fantasy. And, yes, The Lord of the Rings is that good. The Fellowship of the Ring has adventure, darkness, deep, compelling world-building, a hint of romance and not even for the main character, memorable characters. To put it simply, if you like fantasy, you should read this story—after The Hobbit.
Iron Rose by Abigail O’Bryan- A gritty, high-stakes retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
This story was immensely well done. All of the Beauty and the Beast moments felt natural to the story while also being driven by the unique context of this version’s characters and world.
The romance was incredibly well-paced. At the beginning, I was curious how or even if the romance would work because of where the characters start, but I enjoyed how it played out, developing naturally over the course of the entire story and how it was entwined with the growth of both characters. The romance was only part of this story, however, and this might’ve become my favorite dark fantasy fairytale retelling.
Fairytale retellings are one of my favorite genres, and Iron Rose pulled it off with an intense plot and a dark world, all of which I appreciated—though I will give a word of warning to readers who don’t like violence and gritty stories. While it never gets above a PG 13 level, there is a lot of it throughout the book.
The world was intricate and it felt big even though we only see a portion of it. All of the side characters were interesting and felt real to their world. So much of this story felt real and expansive, like this book was only scratching the surface. It almost feels like it could’ve been a series, and yet I don’t feel like anything was missing, just that there is so much to explore.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett- Not to be Forgotten
Searching with Sasquatch by Natalie Ddado- Brim with curiosity and fun. Full of beautiful woodland illustrations and charmingly quirky sasquatches, it tells the tale of one young sasquatch determined to solve the mystery of who stole strawberries from his garden. I loved the details tucked into the illustrations, they really add a touch of humor to the scenes. The story is delightful and encourages adventure and wonder for the world around us. I would absolutely recommend it for young readers.

Project Mouse & Dragon Fate

At one point, I thought this was the book I was going to submit to traditional publishers, but as it’s progressed, I’ve circled back to indie publishing. Quite frankly, I like owning my books and knowing that every decision made about their story, design, and publishing was mine, whether they were the “right” decision or not.

If you’re wondering what this means for Project Mouse and Dragon’s release, all I can say right now is I have a date in mind that seems feasible, but as I’ve learned over the past year, finishing the illustrations for this book is like hitting a moving target.

Speaking of which…

28 pages are now finished and there’s a back cover!

Once the illustrations are finished and I enter my obligatory battle with a book printer to ensure everything prints in the best possible way, I’ll be releasing official details like the title, release date, and more. If you’d like to keep up with all of these incoming updates, subscribe to this newsletter to receive a monthly update or check out my Facebook page: Jenna Papponetti Books or my Instagram @sunandcrow.

On the Banks of the Erie Canal

I recently received a grant for a community-inspired series of charcoal drawings. This is a huge project with a not-too-distant deadline, and I’m excited to bring you all along for the ride. I’ll be sharing about the project here in my regular monthly newsletter, but if you happen to be local to Orleans County NY, or know someone who is, be sure to check out the project’s page on my website for more details and an opportunity to submit inspiration for the project.

Writing

Things have been stirring in the background and slowly climbing into the light. We’re not quite to formal introductions yet, but I will say Book 1 of the fantasy series I’m working on is not what it was a year ago, it isn’t even what I thought it would be at the beginning in so many of ways. I feel like I’ve been climbing a mountain reworking and editing this manuscript for the better part of the last two years and each time more and more comes together in ways I didn’t expect.

I attended my very first writer’s conference this month?

Realm Makers 2025 gave me so much to think about. Maybe I’ll have more to say about it one day, but for now, I’ll just say I’m glad I went. I learned, I laughed, I ate ratatouille, and I came away with a charge to write the stories God placed on my heart.

So whether it be in ink, watercolor, charcoal, or clay, that’s where I’ll be.

Until next time,

Jenna Papponetti

Bookish Instagram

Recent Reads and the Story of a Pen

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 27 May 2025 11:02:47 GMT

Welcome to the newsletter of author and illustrator Jenna Papponetti where you’ll find book recommendations and reviews along with updates on ongoing projects in both art and writing. This month we have more books, a Mouse & Dragon update, the story of a beloved fountain pen, and all the way at the bottom you’ll find a special newsletter-exclusive discount for both of my published picture books.

Ink & Pages

A Story Worth Reading:

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I resisted The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings for years purely because everyone who liked it came off snobbish, like they had found the key to all modern fantasy and only they could appreciate it, so I feel the need to tread lightly here. The truth is when I finally read Tolkien’s work for the first time last year, I was impressed. I could see a lot of what I love in modern fantasy as well as classic literature and folktales, and The Hobbit was my favorite.It has more of a fairytale-feel than The Lord of the Rings, and despite them being set in the same world and several overlapping characters, they strike different tones. The Hobbit is more accessible to a younger audience and is a classsic adventure tale that can end with its final pages or serve as the ideal introduction to the epic journey of the One Ring that is TLoTR. It’s timeless. It’s nestled within all of the intricacies of Middle Earth and Tolkien’s masterful world-building, each chapter serving as a small adventure along the way of the grand adventure to reclaim stolen treasure from a dragon. It has all of the whimsy and wonder ingrained in Middle Earth and lets the reader experience it before they reach the intense stakes of The Lord of the Rings. Despite the quirks, there is still peril. Bilbo and the dwarves might never reach the Lonely Mountain, the treasure might not be found, and the dragon is waiting all the while, but a journey isn’t always about the destination, and if any story encapsulates that idea, it’s this one.

Favorite Fairytale:

Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper as told by Charles Perrault

There are a wide variety of Cinderella stories across the world, but my favorite is the one told by Perrault. It’s the version probably most recognizable in the wake of Disney’s Cinderella, featuring the glass slipper, pumpkin carriage, and enchanted animals. I love how this version is written. It emphasizes the emotional depth and never neglects Cinderella’s kindness and goodness, even in the face of adversity.

Not to Be Forgotten:

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

There’s something quaint and cozy about the world of Beatrix Potter that endures to this day. While Peter might not always be having much fun, his adventure is told in a way that is fun and exciting. It has the air of a fairytale where actions have consequences, and the reader knows all will be well by the end.

Recent Reads:

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis- This book is fascinating. It digs into the reality of daily temptation from the perspective of two demons whose purpose is to corrupt human souls. Told through a series of letters as a senior demon tries to mentor his nephew on the art of temptation, the format made what could’ve been a serious, moral essay an entertaining story where the reader is left peering over the villain’s shoulder the entire time.
One of the things I’ve been pleasantly surprised by while reading Lewis’s work lately is how relevant it is. His illustrations and style are still highly compatible with the present day despite decades having passed since the time they were written and The Screwtape Letters was no exception.
Seashells and Other Souvenirs by Rachel Lawrence- I loved the spirit of Seashells and Other Souvenirs. It’s an easy beach read that brings out the magic of ordinary life and the people you share it with and captures the wonder of summer vacation and how it matures with us as we get older. The emotions behind the story felt very real and relatable, and the romance grows naturally over the course of the book into something so sweet and honest. One of my favorite things about this book were the flashback scenes and how they wove into the storyline in the present. They brought out a sense of nostalgia and let the reader get to know the characters by watching them grow up. (I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. It’s available for preorder now and released June 24th, 22025.)
Where Darkness Dwells by Andrea Renae- This book won my heart.
As I was reading it there were so many moments where I had to stop and think “I know this character” or “I’ve been this character” or “I’ve been in this moment”. The writing is beautiful and wraps the story around you like a thick blanket. Even when it gets dark and the characters are in real danger, you can feel that darkness in tension with the light, and it created this space always on the verge of comfort or heartbreak.
I found all of the main characters compelling, and I appreciated that they got to genuinely struggle in moments of conflict, internal and external. And even though each character comes from starkly different backgrounds, their emotional arcs all came from places anyone could relate to.
Amyrah was a great perspective to be introduced to the world through because even though she’s spent her whole life in the Vale, she’s been kept on the outskirts of it, so certain aspects of Vale-life were just as unfamiliar to her as they are to the reader.
I didn’t know if I was going to be able to like Téron, but I came to appreciate his presence in the story even when I wasn’t sure where it was going, and though I was surprised by having both the POV of a daughter and her father throughout the book, I thought it worked well. Entangling their perspectives with the other two POV characters, whom I may have liked even more, and it created a wide, varied scope of the story while still keeping it at a ground-level view.
Faith has a strong presence throughout the story. I’m still fairly new to recent Christian fantasy so stories that are so overt in their themes and illustrating Biblical truths are still a little jarring to me (in a good way) and I thought WDD excelled in that regard. Those elements more than just being woven in felt like they belonged, and the story couldn’t have been told without them.
There’s so much more I could say, but I’ll leave it here for now.
I absolutely recommend this book wholeheartedly to readers of YA fantasy open to strong themes of faith.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R,R, Tolkien- There’s a lot I could say about this book, but I think I’m going to save it until next time.
What I will say is, I do recommend Tolkien to readers of fantasy, yes, The Lord of the Rings represents an important moment for modern fantasy and how the genre has continued since then, but I don’t think it’s the easiest story to just jump into.
I read it for the first time last year, and despite regularly reading books written over a hundred years ago and being familiar with classic storytelling, I did struggle with Tolkien’s writing style. It wasn’t until I read The Hobbit afterwards (which should really be where you start anyways) that it started to click and made it easier to get back into the trilogy.
Saltwater Souls by Hannah Carter- Brings together 6 imaginative and immersive stories drenched in mermaid lore and familial bonds. Each story had a unique take on merfolk and sirens and was set in locations from around our world and into the fantastical. I loved each of the stories for different reasons, and across the board found the main characters likable and relatable and the worlds fun to explore.
There were two stories that really stood out for me. The Mermaid Hunt which I honestly didn’t expect to like at the beginning, but loved by the end, and La Llorona. I know the legend of La Llorona and was still thrilled by the twists as they were revealed along the way, not to mention the dark, ethereal tone and complicated characters. It also represented a good balance in the anthology overall. There was darkness in one story, a spark of romantasy in another, a sweet story about unexpected motherhood, vibrant, youthful whimsy, and A Little Mermaid meets Cinderella retelling. Each connected not only by the mermaid premise but the bonds its characters share with family and friends (even when those bonds are strained) and consistent threads of hope. I had fun reading this book over the last week, never knowing what to expect beyond “mermaids”, and was delightfully surprised at every turn.
Whether you like fully immersed fantasy or a touch of magic beneath the waves, this anthology has a story for you.
The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith-The Mermaid Moon is a fantastic picture book for kids who like mermaids. It tells the story of two best friends and their adventure the night of the Mermaid Moon when Merrin is able to come on land. The story is fun and sparks the imagination and the illustrations are amazing.

Project Mouse and Dragon

Project Mouse and Dragon is still at 25 pages complete with 6 out of 11 of the remaining pages now painted. I had to go back to the literal drawing board for a few of them, but after paint, drawing mediums, and digitizing, the only thing left will be the cover.

I have to remind myself not to rush even when things are taking longer than expected because rushing tends to lead to mistakes that aren’t so easily undone. That’s always been my biggest crime when illustrating, especially with complex, long-term projects, and part of why I emphasized maintaining my writing projects and a stream of independent projects while working on M&D.

Speaking of writing projects, allow me to introduce you to my beat up—*ahem*—well-loved fountain pen and the cure for writer’s block.

The Story of a Pen

I started collecting my “writing” pens towards the end of high school when I wanted the pen I crafted worlds with to be different than the pen I used for calculus notes. I knew fountain pens existed, but I didn’t really care. I don’t think I had even seen one in person until a few months after I had begun working on my fantasy series in earnest. I was in Germany in a store I don’t remember the name of, though it reminded me of American Walmarts or Targets. It was the end of August in a rather picked-over Back to School section. As I was walking around, not really needing or wanting anything there, I stumbled upon a clearance bin where sitting on top of a pile of other things was a fountain pen, packaged and presented as any ordinary ballpoint pen might’ve been. I picked it up on a whim, intrigued by the idea of a fountain pen.

I am under no impression that it’s unique or high-end, but it remains to this day a novelty among my collection of pens. It didn’t take me long after beginning to use it to write postcards to realize I preferred it to even the best ballpoint pens I had brought with me to Europe. I quickly adopted it for writing my handwritten notes for my story and it’s been my go to writing pen ever since—as you might guess by how worn down it’s become. The ink still flows, however, so until that stops, I see no reason to change it out. It’s been there for the charting of fantastical worlds, inventing languages, the christening of characters, and it’s where I’ve begun all of my picture book ideas.

The writer’s block, then. Contrary to what the heading might suggest, I’m not under the impression that this fountain pen is a lucky charm or a magic cure for writer’s block or that everything I write with it must, of course, be brilliant. When I’m stuck in a story or I stumble into a plot hole, I turn to this fountain pen and a blank space on a sheet of paper and start writing. Physical ink on real paper,.

Writing out the problem or starting a scene or stretch of dialogue by hand helps work out the issues and spark the story so I can return to my keyboard. I’ve tried typing in those moment when my thoughts are moving too fast for a pen to keep up, and it’s never quite the same. There’s a clarity in my notebooks, chaotic as they become. And when I’m desperate and in those distressing times when I’ve lost my fountain pen, any pen and any paper will do, and they have yet to fail.

Do you have any tricks for breaking out of a creative block? Or maybe a beloved pen? If so, feel free to share it in the comments along with any other thoughts or suggestions.

Artist/Children’s Books Instagram

Picture Book Discount

I’m pleased to announce I can finally offer special discounts on each of my picture books to newsletter subscribers. Just follow the links sent in the Welcome email, and you will be taken to a page where you can order them at the discounted price (over 20% off) straight from the printer.

Topics for future newsletters:

Introducing my YA fantasy work-in-progress
The ongoing debate between self-publishing vs traditional
Learning how to illustrate by studying other picture books and cartoons

Writer Instagram

Book Thoughts, Favorite Author, Balance Between Writer and Illustrator

Jenna Papponetti — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:30:55 GMT

Welcome to the newsletter of author and illustrator Jenna Papponetti where you’ll find book recommendations and reviews along with updates on ongoing projects in both art and writing.

Between heavy lids of gray, the world is blinking out a little greener each time.

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.” - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Ink & Pages

An Author Worth Reading

George Macdonald

I didn’t expect to get here so soon, but after reading another MacDonald novel, Lilith, I couldn’t think of a better use for this section. I discovered George MacDonald by accident several years ago when I was attempting to learn more about C.S. Lewis, and those few references painting him as the forerunner to Tolkien and Lewis led me to abandon my current quest and search for MacDonald’s work instead. I began with At the Back of the North Wind, The Princess and the Goblin, The Princess and Curdie, devoured his fairytales, took a very confusing trip through Phantastes, dabbled in his Unspoken Sermons, made my way back to The Golden Key, and most recently ventured into Lilith, doubled back halfway through after my jaw dropped, and quickly pushed through the whole thing as fast as I could, and I still haven’t read most of his work.

Alive with the heart and soul of storytelling, the timeless magic that lives and breathes in our greatest, most enduring fairytales fills MacDonald’s fantastical stories to the brim, and any one of them is a story worth reading. As a reader I have found wonder, hope, and challenge in his work, and as a writer his stories have always been able to bring my wandering soul back to its center and remind me what it seems impossible to forget until I have: why I write.

Favorite Fairytale

Tattercoats

A recent discovery, this tale brings together two of my favorite fairytales, Cinderella and The Goose Girl, with a bit of The Pied Piper mixed in. It’s wonderful in the most wonder-filled sense of the world, appealing to the usual fairytale justice where all wrongs are made right, and the magic is both mysterious and good.

Not to be Forgotten

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

While I might sometimes love Northanger Abbey and its quirks a little bit more, Pride and Prejudice is perfect. The story and its many vivid characters sparkle, I’m almost convinced there might be magic tucked within its pages. It has stood the test of time because it a place as much as it is a story, a world just different enough from our own to transport the reader and let them wander alongside Elizabeth Bennet through fateful meetings, unfortunate proposals, and unfolding revelations.

Recent reads

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis- Lewis presents a concise and comprehensive view of Christianity while constantly drawing connections to modern life and perspectives. It seemed that he addressed the essential points all Christians must contend with eventually without entangling the argument in denominational differences. I think it’s worth a read for anyone seeking to better understand the Christian faith, both from within or without, or anyone wanting to touch base again on a foundation level.
The Willow by LG. McCary- A chilling horror short story. Horror is generally not my genre with few exceptions. I don’t have an objection to the genre as a whole, it’s just not my thing. That said, this story was the kind of horror that I can read without nightmares and even like. It has a subtle, creepy ambience that gets under your skin and all the more effectively delivers a story about the disturbing ways people avoid grief. (linked in book title)
The Other Side of Apart by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen- Book 2 of an ongoing series. If you like contemporary romance about young love, you’re in for a wild ride with this one. The writing was immersive and the story was chaotic and twisting.
Lilith by George Macdonald- George Macdonald is my favorite author and one of the most influential, and Lilith did not disappoint. However, this is not where I would start for someone who has never read his work. Read his fairytales or the novels like The Princess and the Goblins or At the Back of the North Wind, and just know Lilith is ready to challenge you when you’re ready. My jaw literally dropped while reading this book because in true MacDonald-fashion it was speaking through time to apparently inherent truths about humanity and our relationship with good and evil. I had to start over about halfway through because it took me so long to read and I was getting lost, but it’s a story that will challenge you and pose challenges to you as you read it, and the end is worth it.
Andromache by L.E, Richmond- Set in a stark, high-contrast dystopian future, Andromache dwells in the tension between its harsh world and its scattered but enduring beauty. The story is rich in themes about the value of human life, played out against a backdrop of both the beaten and the cold and calculating where the nurturing characters stand out like small beacons of light.
The Misadventures of Benjamin Bartholomew Piff by Jason Lethcoe- This book takes the magic of birthday wishes and the earnest plight of hope and tells a whimsical story where one boy’s wish threatens the entire factory where birthday wishes are granted.

Illustration Projects

Project Mouse and Dragon

An illustrated children’s book for ages 4-8

Project Mouse & Dragon is now 25 pages along. There’s been a lot of background work this month, a lot of things worked on, but not completely polished off and finished. Some illustrations are sitting at the final stage, others midway, a few near the beginning. I expect May to see several more pages complete, and hopefully bring this whole project in sight of the finish line.

Other Projects

I stumbled into a mini project while waiting for paint to dry that has expanded into a small series of cards and now prints based in the color scheme below.

I much prefer traditional mediums to digital, but I’ve found that this has been an opportunity to practice basic drawing and illustration skills while in the midst of a bigger, more complicated project.

That’s been the big take away of Project Mouse & Dragon so far. It’s the longest project I’ve ever worked on, and it’s been necessary to balance it with other projects, whether they be independent illustrations or not relenting on writing. Even though that means Project M&D is taking longer, it is making that process easier and more enjoyable and giving me room to breathe.

Writing Projects

Writing slowed down quite a bit this month so I could focus more on important steps in Project Mouse & Dragon. Writing and my long-term illustration projects have always existed on a scale, one giving way to the other depending on its weight, and especially when I’m at these pause points between one manuscript and another or phases of writing where it makes sense to step away for a little while.

What I have been working on here and there are story ideas for picture books. They always sneak up on me, and only a few stay around, but amid those few I’m certain there’s one ready for ink and paper.

Thanks for reading this far. If you have any thoughts, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment. I’m eager to improve, and if nothing else, ensure that this is a newsletter worth receiving.

Illustrator/ Picture Books Instagram

Topics I’m considering for future newsletters:

My beat up fountain pen and the cure for writer’s block
Short stories
Publishing process, whether it turns out to be traditional or independent, picture books or sprawling series

New Writer Instagram

March 2025

Jenna Papponetti — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:01:56 GMT

Welcome to the newsletter of author and illustrator Jenna Papponetti where you’ll find book recommendations and reviews along with updates on ongoing projects in both art and writing.

Birds have been singing as they fly about building their nests, and everyday I hear more geese on their way back from their winter homes. The lilacs are budding, and tulips are peering up out of the garden. Spring is yawning awake after a snowy winter.

As this is the first, I thought I would breakdown how these newsletters are going to be structured to give you a better idea of what to expect, starting with the monthly issues of Ink & Pages where I compile a month’s worth of reading to help you find stories worth reading.

Ink & Pages

How Ink and Pages works:

Each issue will highlight one story I happened to find worth reading, one fairytale, and one work of classic literature that ought not be forgotten.
Classic literature and fantasy make up a significant portion of my reading list, however, I like to read broadly even into genres I’m less familiar with, so the Recent Reads section will vary widely in the genres it represents. This month was heavy on fantasy because I was rereading the Harry Potter series, but I already know next month will feature a horror short story, one science fiction/dystopia, and I always want to get in at least one picture book or children’s book, so ideally the Recent Reads list will have something for everyone.
I’m going to post the whole page on instagram (@sunandcrow) each month, but I will give a brief recommend or not recommend on each of the Recent Reads here.
I won’t list any books that were genuinely bad either in quality or taste, but it may include books that I didn’t personally enjoy that other people could.
You should not expect horror and thrillers 90% of the time.
You will never see a story on this list with excessive gore or graphic “spice”.

Without further ado…

A Story Worth Reading:

His is a life of books and peace…
Until a dying warrior’s touch ignites an ancient magic within his blood.

Darkfell by Amanda Wright

A story worth reading is a story that is not only well told but will inspire, and Darkfell is that without doubt. This was one of the first new books I read while actively seeking out good fantasy, and it was a promising beginning. Brave heroes in dire conflicts, moments of humor that stave off the dark, truly evil villains, it feels like a story descended from the best of fantasy while still having its own unique voice.

The story is honest and true, with all deception belonging to the villain alone, and I for one was absolutely ready for a story with heroes I could trust, not uncomplicated, not unchallenged, but living in a world and a time where the cost of being morally ambiguous is too high. Thorn Darkfell, the main character, finds himself swept up in the adventure he never watnted, and it’s dirty and demanding and the opposite of everything he expects and wants. But he tries, and it’s through trying that he learns more about himself and his world than he ever could behind a desk. There is life beyond the pages of a book, worlds on the other end of maps, love always unexpected, and bonds that we may never understand until they are tested.

Favorite Fairytale:

1001 Arabian Nights

I’ve had this collection on my mind lately because of The Tale of Scheherazade, the frame-story in which the entire collection is being told. While many people know tales like Aladdin and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, they might not know (I certainly didn’t) that those stories are themselves being told to a character in the frame-story that opens and closes the book. So when you read Sinbad the Sailor, it’s a story being told within a story within a story within a story. I love The Tale of Scheherazade that begins and ends the book not only for it’s dark beginning or its selfless heroine or the ending, all of which make it in itself a great story, but also because it demonstrates the power of stories and how they can change our own fates and the fates of those around us.

Not to be Forgotten:

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Sometimes I’m convinced I love this book just a little bit more than Pride and Prejudice. It’s so much fun, and it always makes me smile. Catherine is an incredibly relatable heroine, and Mr. Tilney an equally charming hero. The narrative voice is playful and quintessentially Austen while striking a tone unique from her other novels. If you love reading and have strong feelings about the power of a novel, you’ll be in good company here.

Recent Reads

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis- This one’s worth reading if you like or are curious about C.S. Lewis. It’s thought of as the closest he ever got to memoir but doesn’t go into every detail and stage of his life as he focused primarily on illustrating his relationship with faith and non-faith throughout his life.
Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery- This is the third of the Anne books that begin with Anne of Green Gables. I absolutely recommend at least the first book as one of those stories you should read at some point but especially when young if you can. I didn’t read any of the books until I was in my early twenties, and I feel like I missed out though I still love them now. And this book in particular stood out to me because it was the book closest to my age and life experiences at that point. It’s definitely a series that grows up along with you if you choose to read every book along the way.
Sanctified by V. Romas Burton- Book 3 of the Legacy Chapters, a series I recently discovered and very much enjoy. Book 1 is basically Pride and Prejudice meets Mulan meets Deborah front eh Book of Judges, and the series just takes off running from there with so many twists and turns.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- Absolutely worth reading, and I’ll have more to say when I finish the last book. It’s a series that grows with it’s audience from middle grade into YA, so I definitely think there’s a right age to start it. You can be too young for it in the beginning, and definitely as the series progresses. The eleven year old who reads the series all the way through might not register the deeper themes in the later books regardless of whether the content itself is age-appropriate—that would be up to a parent’s discretion. The later books, Goblet of Fire on, are written to teenagers, and there’s an expectation that the reader is going to have matured by the time they get to those stories.
Common by Laurie Lucking- This is an ideal example of a story I found well-written and interesting as it unfolded but had issues with that prevent me from giving it a blanket recommendation. If you like YA romance set in light fantasy worlds, or even historical fiction romances, this book is definitely written in that style. It’s not my favorite genre so I think that lowered my personal enjoyment of it, but I have one real criticism of the book that goes beyond the genre and style of storytelling. Basically every female character was strong and interesting and had depth, which was great especially since a book like this is going to have a primarily female audience, but it came at the expense of every male character. Even the male lead who was otherwise endearing had no agency in the story. From him to a majority of the side characters, the story gave the impression that the men were simply waiting for a woman to take charge. I don’t dislike a story where the heroine has to save her prince, but the fact that every male character apparently needed to be saved, managed, or used was a major issue, especially since the author could write compelling female characters.
The last two fantasy stories on this list were short stories which is a new genre for me and really refreshing since I tend to like sprawling, complicated stories that have dozens of chapters and multiple books.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise- Quirky and wonderfully illustrated, it both begins and ends with a twist. From a little owl wanting to become a knight to its unexpected ending, the story is noble, charming and fun.

I hope that list was helpful in finding your next read or perhaps just reminding you of a story you already enjoy.

Illustration Projects

Project Mouse and Dragon

Progress continues slow but steady. Project Mouse and Dragon will be a fully illustrated children’s book for ages 4-8 that tells he story of a brave little mouse who must defend her realm. The goal is to finish the illustrations by summer of this year and then pursue publication so no official dates yet, but in the meantime I can say it’s 23 pages complete. Over the halfway mark with plenty left to do.

Writing Projects

This part is daunting to me.

While I do have a queue of picture book/children’s book projects, this is probably going to be mostly devoted to a much bigger project. I am writing a story, a complicated story with dozens of chapters and several books. Technically, I’m in the first draft of Book 4 at the moment, but I’ve spent most of the past year, and then some, relentlessly editing Books 1-3, Book 1 especially. It was the first book I ever wrote, and I managed to convince myself at the time that it was ready to submit to agents because it was the best I could do then. Needless to say, it wasn’t ready at all, and I’m very grateful to all those agents who rejected it. It’s been rewritten, and rewritten, and rewritten, each round, whether it be a complete overhaul down to the level of the plot or smaller revisions to a chapter or scene, digging through a mess of magic and darkness to find the actual story buried all the way in the initial idea that sparked its inspiration.

It’s funny how time works that way. It seems like most people act as if time only leads to degeneration, but time should be an opportunity to grow and, yes, age into wisdom and grace. Neither of those things happen while staying put and sedate, nor do I think progress for progress’s sake is bound to lead there if only because that mentality seems built on a foundation of hubris completely contradictory to grace.

Anyway, the point is I did improve my writing with time, and have gained a stronger sense of the overall story, and a big part of that came from reading great stories. And now, it’s time to venture into the world of publishing again. I expect that will be a big part of what this section is about along with potential writing thoughts along the way.

Currently, I’m preparing my pitch materials, and I have to say for the first time in years, it was almost easy. Easy might be too soft of a word, but it definitely felt like more of a healthy challenge than a constant struggle. Instead of wrestling my reluctant story into back-cover blurb and synopsis and watching it spill back out a second later, it went willingly, dragging its feet maybe, but that’s better than kicking and screaming.

So there you have it, book thoughts, illustration projects, and adventures in writing and publishing. Thanks for reading this far. If you have any thoughts, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment. I’m eager to improve, and if nothing else, ensure that this is a newsletter worth receiving.

Topics I’m considering for future newsletters:

My beat up fountain pen and the cure for writer’s block
Project Mouse & Dragon, it’s beginning and process
Short stories
Publishing process, whether it turns out to be traditional or independent, picture books or sprawling series

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